Inboard M1 Electric Skateboard Review – Innovative LED Technology?

The Inboard M1 Electric Skateboard is a $1400 skateboard that comes with an electric motor. Find out everything you need to know about the skateboard today in our review.

What Is M1 Electric Skateboard?

The M1 Electric Skateboard, officially known as the Inboard M1, claims to be “the world’s most innovative electric skateboard”.

For those unaware, an electric skateboard looks like an ordinary skateboard or longboard, but comes with an electric motor built-in. You step on the skateboard, then activate the motor to get around more easily.

Instead of giving the skateboard a kick and push, you just stand on it and ride.

The Inboard M1 is similar to competitors like Boosted or Zboard.

When you’re using the M1 Electric Skateboard, you can ride at speeds as high as 24 mph. Your speed is controlled through a handheld remote called the RFLX.

The Inboard M1 Electric Skateboard is priced at $1399 when ordered through the official website. The manufacturer has financing plans available through PayPal, letting you buy the skateboard for $0 down and $0 per month for 6 months.

The M1 Electric Skateboard was successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2015, when it raised over $420,000, smashing through its $100,000 goal with support from over 550 backers.

Today, it’s available for anyone to purchase online, and it’s attracting strong reviews across the internet.

How Does M1 Electric Skateboard Work?

The M1 Electric Skateboard claims to be the first and only skateboard with motors in the wheels. Unlike other electric skateboards, the M1 cleverly conceals the skateboard’s motors, making it look like an ordinary skateboard or longboard (albeit with a thicker deck).

As the makers of the M1 explain, “from the outside, the board is nearly indistinguishable from a traditional skateboard”.

Where are the batteries and motor? They’re hidden inside the deck. The manufacturer has partnered with engineers from Hydroflex Technology to safely carry all of the electronics inside the skateboard.

You control the skateboard using the RFLX Remote, a uniquely-curved remote that you can easily hold in your hand.

The remote comes with features like a thumb-controlled throttle (slides forward for power or back for regenerative braking and reversing), along with a kill switch.

If you want to switch to manual power, then there’s nothing stopping you from turning off the motor and going kick-push style. The technology inside the skateboard lets you spin the wheels manually without issue.

M1 Electric Skateboard Features

The Inboard M1 comes with all of the following features:

Power Shift Swappable Batteries:

Inboard lets you swap a depleted battery with a fresh backup battery in seconds. You can choose from batteries in one of three different sizes.

A depleted battery can actually be recharged inside the board, or with its own separate charging cable. It takes about 90 minutes to charge a battery to full.

USB Connect:

You can connect a USB cord (included with your purchase) to your skateboard. This means you can charge your RFLX Remote and Inboard Battery by daisy chaining everything to a wall outlet, letting you charge everything at the same time.

USB connect also means you can charge your phone (or any other USB device) with your skateboard if you needed to.

Rev Wheels:

Inboard’s Rev Wheel can be changed in 10 seconds without tools.

Unibody Deck:

Inboard’s deck is one solid piece with a hollow deck cavity containing all of the electronics. The goal of their design was to help the M1 perform as well as world-class longboards.

Regenerative Braking:

You can brake and stay in control. While breaking, the Manta Drive uses your extra energy to charge the battery, which is why it’s called “regenerative” braking.

Passcode Lock:

You can lock your board with one swipe, then unlock it with a password.

Who Makes M1 Electric Skateboard?

The M1 Electric Skateboard is made by a California-based team. The company includes Ryan Evans (co-founder), Theo Cerboneschi (co-founder, mechanical engineer), Paige Doolin (product designer) and Nate Appel (marketing director).

You can get in touch with the team by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-844-8-INBOARD. Alternatively, they have an online email form.

Inboard M1 Reviews

Th Inboard M1 has been attracting a growing number of reviews over the past few weeks, with many major tech blogs releasing reviews online since December 2016.

The Verge, for example, called the Inboard M1 “high speed (and high priced) fun”, calling it the best competition for Boosted and Zboard, among others. That reviewer said that the only real downside to the board is the price.

Aside from the high price, the board works really well and delivers an excellent riding experience. The Verge did, however, say the price was justified because of the polished, high-quality design and the swappable battery, although it was up to you to decide if it was worth it.

A Reddit thread on the Inboard M1 gained a lot of attention.

That reviewer recommended buying the board “if you’re interested in a Boosted alternative that offers a huge set of new features like swappable battery packs, hub motor with very little resistance, integrated lights, an even better remote, and (hopefully soon) higher top-speed. Stiff deck is a bonus for me as well”.

That Redditor also praised the Inboard M1 for performing well on crappy roads, because no dirt or debris gets into the solid case design.

However, if you’re frequently riding over bumpy pavements, then you’re going to notice the bumpiness a lot more with the Inboard M1 because it’s a stiff board.

TechCrunch reviewed the Inboard M1 back in December 2016, praising the board’s ability to be used kick-push style like a normal board, or with the motor like an electric skateboard.

They summed up their review by stating that the Inboard M1 “gets a lot right” and “it’s priced effectively”. They also appreciated that the board’s lights allowed for safe night riding.

M1 Electric Skateboard Summary

Overall, the Inboard M1 is well-reviewed online. Many reviewers wish it was cheaper, but most admit that it’s priced at a fair rate, given the build quality and the technology involved. The skateboard is praised for offering a smooth ride on a beautifully-designed product.

If you’re looking for a Boosted alternative, and the Inboard M1 caught your eye, then it’s available to purchase online today at a price of $1400.